Sewer upgrade delayed

Spencer Street’s sewer upgrade schedule has been pushed back to be completed by early 2019 instead of the end of this year.

The project started its major works last October primarily in Spencer St between Flinders Lane and Little Lonsdale St.

The installation of a second sewer pipe complements the current sewer main which is nearly reaching its capacity after 100 years of service.

Current upgrades have reached their next phase where works are transitioning frommicro-tunnelling to the construction of new maintenance access holes as well as connecting both existing and new sewers.

Works on Flinders Lane have been completed, while two other active work sites at Bourke St and Lonsdale St are expected to complete works in November and early 2019 respectively.

City West Water general manager of infrastructure and delivery, Maree Lang, said: “Construction timetables, particularly those with significant underground works are always subject to change and old infrastructure is not always accurately mapped.”

According to Victoria in Future’s 2015 report, approximately 14,000 new apartments will be built in the Spencer St area over the next 35 years.

Increasing the capacity of the sewer network is essential to sustain Melbourne CBD’s continuous apartment growth.

For more information, visit www.citywestwater.com.au/about_us/major_projects/spencer_st_sewer_upgrade.aspx